West Ham vs AEK Larnaca prediction: EUROPE: Europa Conference League – Play Offs betting tips on match 2023-03-15 20:00.
West Ham’s UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL) campaign has been the highlight of their season as winning all nine European matches this term contrasts sharply with their Premier League struggles. Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Aston Villa left them mired in relegation danger so they’ll hope to put a smile back on the faces of supporters by building on their 2-0 first-leg win over AEK Larnaca.
It's not all doom and gloom for the Hammers as they’re unbeaten at home this calendar year (W2, D2) and usually enjoy European nights at the London Stadium, as in three of their four home UECL games this term they were ahead by the half-hour mark. Another fast start could see them on their way as they seek to emulate last season’s run to the Europa League semi-finals.
As just the second Cypriot side ever to make the last 16 of a European competition, Larnaca have arguably exceeded expectations in getting this far so overturning their first-leg defeat would be an extraordinary achievement. The omens aren’t good as they’ve won just one of their last six competitive fixtures (D1, L4), although they still sit in second place in Cyprus’ First Division.
This is their first ever trip to England, but they are unbeaten in three previous visits to the British Isles against Cliftonville, Cork City and Dundalk in Europa League qualifying rounds (W2, D1). Having not won a European away game at an opponents’ own ground since August 2019 though, this is a significant step up for the Guardians, who will unsurprisingly start the match as big outsiders.
Players to watch: SaĂŻd Benrahma (WHU) has scored three of his last five goals between the 15th and 30th minute, including one against Villa on Sunday. Larnaca may look to captain Ivan Trichkovski for late inspiration after three of his last six club goals arrived after the 80th minute.
Hot stat: Larnaca have collected an average of 1.33 yellow cards per UECL game this term (West Ham: 2.33).